For those with chronic back pain, inversion therapy can be a lifesaver. There are many home inversion tables to help alleviate lower back pain, and customers should be choosy before investing in a table. Below are our picks for the five best inversion tables available.

Things to Consider Before Buying:

Frame Quality – Stability and durability are key. Make sure any table you buy performs well on this front, as you will be putting your entire body weight on the product.

Comfort – Some tables offer padding and other features to enhance comfort. Remember, if the table isn’t comfortable, you’ll be less likely to use it.

Safety Features – Check for features such as floor stabilizers, ankle locking systems, and side covers to minimize pinching.

Inversion Control – Make sure the inversion movement is smooth, and that the user can control the degree of inversion.

The 5 Best Inversion Tables for Back Pain Relief:

1. Ironman Gravity 4000 Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table

Ironman is an well-known and well-trusted brand, and the Gravity 4000 model is one of its best, garnering a 4.7 star rating over 2,800 reviews. (Last update on 2016-12-24)

Pros:

Frame – The Gravity 4000 has a tubular steel frame designed to support up to 350 lbs. This makes it one of the most heavy-duty options on the market.

Safety Features – This table offers solid floor stabilizers to minimize movement during use, as well as a strong ankle-locking system. Users report that the ankle locking is comfortable, easy to use, and stable with a quick-release feature for greater control.

Comfort – A memory foam back rest and a lumbar cushion make the Gravity 4000 an extremely comfortable table, even for back pain sufferers. Users also report that the ankle-locking system is well-padded and does not need to be tightened to the point of discomfort to work.

Cons:

Set-up – Some users complained that the table is hard to set up the first time as the instructions are somewhat vague and difficult to follow.

Size and Weight – The sturdy steel frame brings this table in at a whopping 85 pounds. For those back problems, moving this table around can be a real problem. The Gravity is advertised as a folding table, but many reviewers noted that even folded, the table is very large and takes up a great deal of room. This may not be an ideal choice for those with limited space.

Inversion Control – While the Gravity boasts complete control over the inversion, many customers found the mechanism to be difficult to use. The inversion is controlled by a strap, which the user moves into the correct position. This makes finding a perfect angle (exactly 30°, for example) challenging.

2. Teeter EP-560

Teeter is another top-rated brand for inversion therapy. The EP-560 is a quality mid-priced option with a 4.6 star rating over 1,053 reviews. (Last update on 2016-12-24)

Pros:

Ease of Use – The EP-560 uses arm motions and body-weight adjustments to control the angle and speed of inversion. This gives a huge amount of control to the users as adjustments can be made with literally a wave of the hand.

Reliability – The frame is made of heavy-gauge steel, with auto-locking hinges and specialized pivot bearings making this an extremely durable option. This model also comes with a 5 year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing that even if something breaks, you’re covered.

Comfort – This model boasts several comfort features, including acupressure nodes to trigger muscle release. The Lumbar Bridge support features focuses traction on the lower back, making this an optimal choice for those with bad backs.

Cons:

Ankle Locking Mechanism – The most common complaint for this product was that the ankle locks were extremely uncomfortable, forcing reviewers to upgrade to one of Teeter’s add-on products. Many users also noted that the ankle cuffs were difficult to use.

Size and Weight – Like the Gravity 4000, the sturdy frame makes the EP-560 extremely heavy and large. Users noted that it was difficult to fold up, and that moving and storing it were a hassle.

Set-up – Several users claimed that the set-up instructions were misleading. Teeter offers a video which advertises setting up your EP-560 within 15 minutes, but several reviews stated that the actual time needed is more like an hour.

3. Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Therapy Table

The Innova ITX9600 is designed with a larger or taller person in mind. It has garnered a 4.6 star rating over 1,953 reviews. (Last update on 2016-12-24)

Pros:

Adjustability – This table offers a wider backboard. It also has an adjustable headrest, which allows it to remain comfortable for a wide variety of heights. Innova advertises a height range of 4’11’ to 6’6”, making this the highest rated table for those who are taller than average.

Inversion Control – The ITX9600 offers a five position safety pin mechanism for adjusting the degree of inversion. This feature allows the user to find the perfect inversion angle easily, while also being more dependable than the standard strap system. This innovative mechanism is simple to use, and reviewers found it be one of the best parts of buying this table.

Set-up and Storage: Even negative reviewers reported that the instructions were clear and the set-up for this particular table was remarkably easy. It also folds, and is small enough that it can be stored against a wall without much difficulty. The table weighs approximately 50 pounds, making it one of the lighter options on the market and therefore one of the easiest to move around.

Price: At only $xx.xx (Click Here for Current Price & More Details), this table is a bargain. A sturdy steel frame, comfortable backrest, innovative inversion control, and ease of use all stand out to make the Innova ITX9600 an excellent choice for those on a budget.

Cons:

Ankle Locks – The most common complaint for reviewers was that the ankle-locking mechanism did not feel sturdy or comfortable. Several reviews mentioned that the ankle cuffs slipped while in use, and many reviewers found the guards to be extremely uncomfortable even during a slight inversion.

Height Adjustment – Those under about 5’4” found that the table was difficult to use. They reported that it was too tall to get on properly, and that the headrest and pins hit in awkward places. Generally speaking, while this is a great option for taller people, we would not recommend the ITX9600 to those on the shorter end of the spectrum.

4. Exerpeutic Inversion Table

The Exerpeutic Inversion Table is a solid, low-cost option with a 4.5 star rating over 1,019 reviews. (Last update on 2016-12-24)

Pros:

Simple Design– This table does not boast many fancy features, but offers all of the necessary options to make inversion therapy work. The design is simple, and the mechanisms are easy to understand and work. If you’re looking for a no-frills option, the Exerpeutic Inversion Table is an excellent choice.

Ease of Use – Many reviewers found the Exerpeutic to be one of the easiest inversion tables they had ever used. Long side handles, a simple ankle-lock mechanism, and easy set up all contribute to making this a stress-free option.

Size and Weight – This table is lighter and smaller than many of the options out there. While the frame is still built of sturdy steel, the hollow poles make it less heavy and therefore easier to move and store.

Ankle Locks – The ankle lock mechanism on the Exerpeutic is a very stripped down affair, and many reviewers found it extremely uncomfortable. Several mentioned having to buy extra padding, which they felt made the table usable, but others found the restraints so unpleasant that they gave up on the table.

Weight Rating – The Exterpeutic Inversion Table is rated for up to 300 lbs, but a few reviewers felt that this would not be safe for that weight. Two reviews mentioned that the safety hook broke, even though both weighed in the mid-200s. Other reviewers in that weight range were able to use the table safely, but this is something to consider if your weight is closer to the high end of the rating.

Customer Service – Many reviewers mentioned that Exterpeutic offered very low-quality customer service when they called to deal with complaints. The most common complaint was missing setup instructions, followed by broken pieces in the packaging. These reviewers report that customer service was slow to respond to calls or to replace parts.

5. Ironman Gravity 1000 Inversion Table

Another option from inversion therapy giant Ironman, the Gravity 1000 table offers quality at a reasonable price. It has a 4.4 star rating over 776 reviews. (Last update on 2016-12-24)

Pros:

Stability – With a tubular steel frame and non-skid floor stabilizers, the Gravity 1000 is an extremely stable option. It is rated for up to 300 lbs, and reviewers found that it was reliable up to that weight. If you are looking for a solid option at a higher weight range, the Gravity 1000 delivers.

Comfort – This table has a padded backrest, comfortable ankle guards, and easy height adjustment controls, making it very comfortable to use. In particular, the ankle locks were well-reviewed, and Ironman advertises that they are ergonomically designed to decrease strain while inverted.

Size and Weight – This table folds up relatively small, and weighs only 46 pounds, making it one of the better options if you feel you will need to move it or store it often.

Inversion Range – The Gravity 1000 offers inversion angles all the way up to 180 degrees. If you are in need of a full inversion, this table was designed with your needs in mind.

Cons:

Storage – While the table is designed to fold up, it does require the use of tools to get it there. There is a screw that must be removed using a wrench in order for the table to fold. While this makes the table very sturdy while set up, many reviewers found that this made storing it after use both annoying and difficult.

Backrest Quality – Several reviewers noted that the backrest was comfortable, but given to coming apart at the seams. Overall, the quality of the table was high, but reviewers felt that the backrest was a low spot on this model.

Lower Back Support – The Gravity 1000 does not have a lumbar support system like many of the other products Ironman offers. Reviewers reported using a towel to achieve the same effect, but if lower back support is important to you, you may wish to look into another model, such as the Gravity 4000.

Conclusion

The quality of an inversion table can vary widely, so be sure to do your research before purchasing. The tables above are some of the most highly rated on the market and we recommend them to those looking to purchase a table for home therapy.

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